Escaping From Predators
An Integrative View of Escape Decisions

Bringing together theory and reality of prey escape from predators, this book benchmarks new and current thinking in escape ecology.

William E. Cooper, Jr (Edited by), Daniel T. Blumstein (Edited by)

9781107630635, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 March 2018

458 pages, 116 b/w illus. 15 tables
24.4 x 17 x 2.4 cm, 0.86 kg

'Every subject is strongly supported by reference lists … Escaping from Predators is likely to be a key text for many animal behaviourists, and non-specialists might also enjoy dipping into it. It is probably unique in bringing together so much current theory and research on the escape decisions made by prey.' Sue Howarth, The Biologist

When a predator attacks, prey are faced with a series of 'if', 'when' and 'how' escape decisions – these critical questions are the foci of this book. Cooper and Blumstein bring together a balance of theory and empirical research to summarise over fifty years of scattered research and benchmark current thinking in the rapidly expanding literature on the behavioural ecology of escaping. The book consolidates current and new behaviour models with taxonomically divided empirical chapters that demonstrate the application of escape theory to different groups. The chapters integrate behaviour with physiology, genetics and evolution to lead the reader through the complex decisions faced by prey during a predator attack, examining how these decisions interact with life history and individual variation. The chapter on best practice field methodology and the ideas for future research presented throughout, ensure this volume is practical as well as informative.

List of contributors
Foreword Ron Ydenberg and Larry Dill
Acknowledgements
1. Escape behaviour: importance, scope, and variables William E. Cooper, Jr and Daniel T. Blumstein
2. Theory: models of escape behaviour and refuge use William E. Cooper, Jr
3. Mammals Theodore Stankowich and Eigil Reimers
4. Birds Anders Pape Møller
5. Reptiles William E. Cooper, Jr
6. Fish and amphibians Patricia A. Fleming and Philip W. Bateman
7. Invertebrates Philip W. Bateman and Patricia A. Fleming
8. Prey behaviours during fleeing: escape trajectories, signalling and sensory defences Paolo Domenici and Graeme D. Ruxton
9. Hiding time in refuge José Martín and Pilar López
10. Vigilance, alarm calling, pursuit deterrence and predation inspection Guy Beauchamp
11. Determinants of lizard escape performance: decision, motivation, ability, and opportunity Kathleen L. Foster, Clint E. Collins, Timothy E. Higham and Theodore Garland, Jr
12. Sensory systems and escape behaviour Luke P. Tyrrell and Esteban Fernández-Juricic
13. The physiology of escape Yoav Litvin, D. Caroline Blanchard and Robert J. Blanchard
14. Maternal and genetic effects on escape: a prospective review Lesley T. Lancaster
15. The personality of escape Pilar López and José Martín
16. Best practice for the study of escape behaviour Daniel T. Blumstein, Diogo S. M. Samia, Theodore Stankowich and William E. Cooper, Jr
17. Afterword Daniel T. Blumstein and William E. Cooper, Jr
Index.

Subject Areas: Animal ecology [PSVS], Animal behaviour [PSVP], Animal physiology [PSVD], Evolution [PSAJ], Biology, life sciences [PS]